Athens to Austria - 21 Days

Athens - Delphi - Meteora - Kalabaka. Our tour begins in the Greek capital of Athens, with pick up from your hotel. Please ensure you are in Athens at least one night before the start of the tour.

We'll kick off our journey by heading to Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Delphi boasts remarkable monuments like the Temple of Apollo, the Castalian Spring, and the Naxian Sphinx. Marvel at the Athenian Treasury, the Theatre, the Stadium, and the Museum, which houses the renowned statue of Antinous and the unique bronze Charioteer statue from 475 B.C.

Next, we continue to Meteora, another UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its monasteries perched atop dramatic rock formations. We can enjoy a beautiful sunset at Meteora before making our way to our accommodation in Kalabaka.

Kalabaka - Ioannina - Gjirokaster (Albania). Our first stop today is the Greek city of Ioannina, where we explore the cobbled streets of the old town. The architecture showcases remnants from the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, including ancient walls and quaint houses. We also visit the impressive Ioannina Castle, where you'll discover a maze of narrow streets and historic buildings inside the castle walls. As well as guided sightseeing, you'll enjoy some free time in Ioannina before we head to the Albanian border and our destination for tonight, Gjirokaster, also known as the "Stone City".

Today, we will explore UNESCO-listed Gjirokaster. The city resembles a fortress, where each house appears like a small fortress. Gjirokaster's origins trace back to the Gjirokaster Castle, built in the 4th century AD, and it is regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans. Before entering the castle, we will pass through the medieval bazaar and the picturesque old town, with its graceful hillside setting. The old town is filled with narrow stone streets adorned with local handmade crafts. We will also have the opportunity to visit one of Gjirokaster's best-preserved houses, which maintains its original and authentic features.

Gjirokaster - Berat. After breakfast, we will head to Berat,a UNESCO-listed city offering stunning views of medieval houses with windows seemingly stacked atop one another. Berat's began life as an Illyrian settlement, evolving into the castle city of Antipatrea in the 3rd century BC. Remarkably, residents still inhabit the houses within the castle walls. The city boasts a beautiful medieval castle, ancient churches and mosques, a vibrant lower town with grand old houses on steep hills, an old stone bridge, fascinating museums, and remnants from Albania's communist era. Berat is also celebrated as the birthplace of Onufri, a renowned church painter famous across the Balkans for his unique reddish colour. As part of our sightseeing, we will also visit the city's Gorica neighbourhood.

Berat - Drilon National Park - Tushemisht - Ohrid (North Macedonia). Today, we will cross the border into North Macedonia, but first, we'll visit Albania' Drilon National Park. Known for its spring waters that form a small lake, Drilon is surrounded by lush greenery, including ancient weeping willow trees along the shoreline.

Our next stop will be the village of Tushemisht, before we cross the border into North Macedonia. Our first stop is St. Naum, home to the monastery of St. Naum. This historic site is located at the source of the River Crni Drim, which flows into Lake Ohrid. This monastery complex is part of the Galicica National Park and is one of its strictly protected areas. After our visit here, we continue to Ohrid, offering stunning views of Lake Ohrid.

Ohrid - Tirana (Albania). Today, we will explore Ohrid, one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. Since 1980, both the city and Lake Ohrid have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The area around Lake Ohrid was historically inhabited by the Illyrian tribe known as the Enkeleys.

Our tour will take us to notable sites, including the famous viewpoint at the Church of St. John, the Church of St. Nicholas, and the Halveti Hayati Tekke mosque. During the Byzantine Empire, Ohrid became an important centre for Orthodox Christians and is renowned for its 365 Orthodox churches, one for each day of the year. After enjoying a wonderful day by Lake Ohrid, we will proceed to Tirana, the capital of Albania.

Today, we'll explore Tirana, the capital of Albania, with the help of a local guide. Our first stop is a local spot known mostly to residents, where we can enjoy breakfast like a true local by trying Byrek - a traditional Albanian dish made with dough and filled with ingredients like cheese, meat, or spinach.

Next, we'll visit Cam Bazaar, where you can have a go at bartering. We continue with our local guide, navigating past tourist hotspots to uncover the city's gastronomic highlights and hidden gems. We'll also introduce you to Albania's rich coffee culture at a cozy café, where you can try traditional "Albanian coffee."

Our journey continues through Tirana's charming neighborhoods, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of its residents. We'll also visit the Bicycle Bazaar, and the New Bazaar, where you can indulge in traditional Albanian lunch items such as Qofte (meatballs) grilled to perfection and served with freshly baked bread.

Our final destination is BUNK'ART, one of Tirana's most intriguing museums. Originally designed as a nuclear bunker to protect Albanian communist leader Enver Hoxha and his inner circle during the Cold War, it remained hidden from the public until 2014. The Albanian government transformed it into a museum that offers video exhibitions about the history of the Albanian communist army and the everyday lives of Albanians during that period

Tirana - Kruje - Prizren (Kosovo). Leaving Tirana, our first stop today is Kruje, a historic city that epitomizes Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire's expansion in the 15th century. We can wander through the narrow streets and wooden houses of Kruje’s Medieval Old Bazaar, the ideal place to shop for souvenirs. Admire Kruje Castle, perched strategically atop a rocky hill. Our tour leader will guide you through hidden paths once used by locals to discreetly exit the castle when it was surrounded by enemies.

Later, we will cross the border into Kosovo and make our way to Prizren, often regarded as the country's cultural capital. A river runs through the heart of the old town, beneath numerous bridges that span the city. You have a free afternoon to stroll through Prizren's streets, lined with elegant medieval houses, and to admire the Sinan Pasha Mosque, with its vibrant arabesque patterns. For a breathtaking view, head to the fortress on the hill overlooking the town.

Prizren - Gjakove - Decan - Prizren. This morning, we head to Gjakove, home to Kosovo's oldest and largest bazaar. Despite being destroyed during the First Balkan War, the Second World War, and the Kosovo War, the bazaar has been rebuilt to its former glory. It's a lovely place to enjoy a meal or explore the shops that sell traditional handmade crafts from local artisans and producers.

Our next stop will be the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Decan, renowned for its striking white architecture and for being inhabited by Orthodox monks who produce fresh organic foods, such as cheeses.

Before heading back to Prizren, we will drive through the Rahovec Valley, where grapes have been cultivated since Illyrian times. The vineyards, located on the gentle hills of Rahovec at elevations between 350 and 520 metres above sea level, make it an ideal location for producing high-quality wines.

Prizren (Kosovo) - Shkoder (Albania). Our first stop today is a renowned slow food agro-tourism farm in the Balkans, where we’ll learn about its history and how it has created over 400 local jobs. The farm specialises in processing and preserving regional organic products, with the family-run business repurposing old communist-era buildings for storage. You’ll have time to enjoy a traditional lunch or purchase fresh produce.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Shkodra in northwestern Albania, named after the largest lake in the Balkans. One of Albania’s oldest cities, Shkodra’s history spans over a thousand years, with its castle dating back to the 1st millennium BCE. We’ll visit Rozafa Castle, offering views of the lake and rivers flowing into the Adriatic. The city’s Venetian-influenced architecture and annual carnival, especially in February, are highlights. Shkodra has long been a key trading hub, facilitating interactions between various civilisations. We’ll stay overnight in Shkodra.

Shkoder - Budva (Montenegro) - Kotor - Montenegrin Riviera. Leaving Albania again, we head across the border to Montenegro and the small fishing village of Sveti Stefan. We'll then head to Budva, where we'll explore the old part of the city, including the historical centre, St. Ivan Church, the small Church of St. Mary, and the medieval wonders of the old town.

Our second destination today is Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is characterized by a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets designed to confuse invaders in the past. Many historic buildings and churches display plaques indicating their construction dates and original purposes. We'll visit Saint Luke’s Church, which holds great significance for the locals as a symbol of unity. We'll spend the night near the Montenegrin Riviera.

Montenegrin Riviera - Mostar (Bosnia). From Montenegro, we will cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina and head towards Mostar. Our visit will include the iconic Old Bridge, known as Stari Most, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an example of typical Islamic architectural style from the 16th century. We'll explore the Old Bazaar, famous for its vibrant streets and lively atmosphere. Throughout the city, you'll see stones inscribed with “Don’t Forget,” commemorating Mostar’s history. The city beautifully blends the old with the new, evident as you stroll through its streets, featuring charming old mosques, bustling Turkish bazaars, and a network of cobbled alleyways.

We'll also visit the Blagaj Monastery, located just outside the city at the foot of a cliff, featuring stunning blue waters at its front. Blagaj is a small medieval Ottoman town in Herzegovina, known for its breathtaking nature and the impressive spring of the Buna River. In the afternoon, you'll have free time to explore and enjoy Mostar.

Mostar - Sarajevo. After breakfast, we will drive from Mostar to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today’s itinerary involves walking on uneven terrain as we explore some of the ruins during our tour of Sarajevo. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War, such as bullet holes and cannon marks, throughout the town. We will visit Sarajevo's Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian sections, where the captivating markets, bazaars, mosques, churches, and synagogues reveal why the city is often called the "European Jerusalem." We'll also visit the Latin Bridge and learn about how World War I was sparked right here, in the heart of Sarajevo.

As well as its history, Sarajevo is renowned for its delicious meat dishes and desserts. You will have some free time to savour traditional cuisine and enjoy a coffee in the old town.

Sarajevo - Zvornik (Bosnia & Herzegovina) - Belgrade (Serbia). Today, our main destination is Belgrade, Serbia. Before arriving, we will stop in Zvornik, a charming town along the serene Drina River. Zvornik is known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for both historical exploration and a peaceful retreat. You will have some free time to enjoy lunch and sample the local cuisine or take a leisurely stroll through the town’s picturesque streets.

After our visit, we will continue to Belgrade, where we will explore Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. The view of the city from the fortress is breathtaking. In the Upper Town of the fortress, you will see the Pobednik monument, which dates back to 1913. The park offers vast green spaces, beautiful trees, and tranquil pathways, creating a perfect spot to relax and take in the surroundings.

We will then walk along Knez Mihailova, a lively area popular with locals, leading us to Republic Square. This bustling district is known for its vibrant atmosphere, shops, cafés, and cultural landmarks, making it a wonderful place to explore.

Belgrade - Sremski Karlovci - Novi Sad. Today, we will set off for Novi Sad, a region renowned for its rich winemaking heritage and premium-quality wines. Our journey will take us to Sremski Karlovci, historically recognised as the centre of Serbian culture in the 18th century and celebrated for its esteemed wine cellars.

This picturesque town is a true treasure of Serbian culture and spirituality, often referred to as a 'museum town' due to its Baroque architecture. It is said that every building, house, and street in the town has its own unique story. Among its legends, it is believed that those who drink from the Four Lions fountain in the town centre are destined to return to Karlovci and get married there.

Following our tour, you will have some free time to sample various wine specialities from the region while taking in the stunning views of the vineyards. We will then spend the night in Novi Sad.

After breakfast, we will begin exploring Novi Sad, recognised as the cultural capital of northern Serbia. Situated at the historic crossroads of the former Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires, the city showcases a fascinating blend of cultural influences that have shaped it over the centuries. You will immediately notice the presence of Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman elements.

The town's distinctive Baroque architecture is reflected in some of its most significant buildings. A must-visit is the Petrovaradin Fortress, also known as the Gibraltar on the Danube. We will have the opportunity to stroll through the old town, wandering along the pedestrian streets of Zmaj Jovina and Dunavska.

You will then have some free time to explore at your own pace. You may choose to relax in a local café, browse the shops, stroll along the Danube promenade, or visit a museum to learn more about the city’s rich history.

Novi Sad - Subotica (Serbia) - Budapest (Hungary). Today, we will drive to Subotica, our final destination in Serbia. Known for its rich cultural heritage and intricately decorated buildings, Subotica’s multicultural spirit and European charm make it truly unique. The city's vibrant colours and outstanding architecture reflect its historical significance and prosperity during the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

In Subotica, the city centre is highlighted not by a cathedral or church, but by the City Hall, which is surrounded by a park, fountains, and a large square. Subotica is also famous for its relaxed atmosphere, excellent food, and quality wines. After a walk through the city centre, you will have the opportunity to explore Subotica’s streets and squares and savour its renowned local cuisine.

Our visit will include the Cathedral of St. Teresa of Avila and the Synagogue, two of the city's most notable landmarks. Following our guided tour, you will have some free time to explore the town centre at your own pace and enjoy a coffee in this charming city influenced by Austro-Hungarian architecture. Later today, we will cross the border into Hungary and head towards Budapest, the capital.

Today, we will explore Budapest, often referred to as the "Queen of the Danube." This picturesque city is renowned for its unique blend of Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau architecture. Divided by the Danube River, the capital of Hungary consists of the traditional "Buda" and the cosmopolitan "Pest." Budapest offers an unparalleled fusion of culture and history.

Our journey will take us past Saint Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in Budapest, showcasing its magnificent neoclassical design. We will then stroll along the city's boulevards, passing the Opera, the Parliament building, Heroes' Square, and the 19th-century Fisherman's Bastion, known for its breathtaking views over the city.

To delve deeper into the historical and cultural essence of the Hungarian capital, we will visit Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic symbol of the city. As we explore, we will cross the city's bridges and discover its Baroque-style streets.

In the evening, you will have free time to explore Budapest at your own pace. You may choose to admire the city’s illuminated landmarks, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, or simply take a relaxing walk along the Danube to soak in the atmosphere.

Budapest - Gyor (Hungary) - Bratislava (Slovakia). Today, we continue our journey to the picturesque "City of Rivers," Győr. Known for its rich history, Baroque architecture, and delicious Hungarian cuisine, Győr is a city well worth exploring. The city centre is adorned with colourful homes and churches. We’ll stroll through its historic streets and visit Győr's Town Hall, featuring a striking 59-meter tower with a distinctive green top. This Neo-Classical building has been open since 1898.

While the city houses many churches, a visit to the Cathedral of The Virgin Mary, built in the Romanesque style in the 11th century, is essential. Next, we’ll head to the Győr Synagogue; its impressive grey dome is visible from afar and served as an inspiration for other synagogues across Central Europe.

We will then take a leisurely walk down Baross Gabor Street, a pedestrian-only area bustling with cafés, shops, bars, and restaurants. You will have some free time to savour delicious Hungarian dishes and try the renowned blueberry beer. Later, we will drive to Bratislava, where we will spend the night.

After breakfast, we will visit Bratislava, a picturesque city situated along the Danube. Our exploration of the medieval Old Town Hall will provide insights into the ancient history of Slovakia. Known for its many churches and cultural institutions, Bratislava's Old Town also hosts numerous foreign embassies and significant Slovak institutions. We will make our way to Michael's Gate, the only remaining gate from the medieval fortifications, and one of the town's oldest buildings.

Following our exploration of the Old Town, we will ascend to the iconic Bratislava Castle, perched above the city. Originally constructed in the 9th century, the castle overlooks the Danube River, offering spectacular views and perfect photo opportunities of Bratislava.

In the afternoon, we will return to the city centre. Bratislava's café culture is renowned, and you will have some free time to savour the famous coffee at one of the city's traditional coffee shops, where the aroma of roasted beans fills the air.

Bratislava - Vienna (Austria). Our tour ends today, but not before we cross into one final country. Leaving Slovakia after breakfast and check out, you will be transferred to the Austrian capital of Vienna and dropped at your independently booked hotel.